(Newser)
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Barack Obama has nearly completed his inaugural address, and he's uniquely qualified to take on a seemingly insurmountable challenge: living up to the example set by the likes of Abraham Lincoln and John Kennedy. "I would think we would hear the most eloquent speech since JFK’s 48 years ago," Kennedy speechwriter Ted Sorensen tells Politico. So ... no pressure!

Chief speechwriter Jon Favreau finished the first draft within a month of Election Day after meeting with Obama and David Axelrod; it's gone through at least two more drafts. As always, Obama—who visited the Lincoln Memorial in search of inspiration—has the final say. A Clinton staffer sees a definite contrast with No. 42's approach: "We were the kind of people who would write the term paper the night before it’s due."

couldn't he write his own speech? Lincon he'll never be. It would be nice if these fantasy people would be themselves. And just compare their selves to what ever works they have done. I'm tired of hearing how so and so thinks he or she is some other president or shiek or whatever. Just be your frickin self!!!

Caps

Jan 16, 2009 7:46 PM CST

Amen.

justme

Jan 16, 2009 7:44 PM CST

Good luck to Obama. He has to appease the left, try to pull in the center/right and deal with the Democratic egos who still see him as the junior senator from Illinois. He is an eloquent speaker who can reach the country. We certainly need the leadership.